John N. Brogard's lifelong dream of becoming an engineer became a reality when he was accepted as a student at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Studying engineering and interacting with the faculty at Syracuse University meant so much to me," says Brogard '62, a senior environmental engineer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "My success in becoming a licensed professional engineer, a board certified environmental engineer, and receiving the College of Engineering and Computer Science Outstanding Alumni Award can all be attributed to what I learned at SU."
Brogard credits Syracuse with helping him fully realize his potential through a wide range of student activities and experiences, including opportunities to enjoy music, theater, and art, participate in student groups, and attend sporting events. "I have so many great Syracuse University memories, including being in the marching and ROTC bands, the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Arnold Air Society," he says. "And, of course, having the 1959 Syracuse University football team win the national championship."
The first person in his family to attend college, Brogard is grateful to Syracuse University for the chance to achieve his dream-and has taken steps to help others reach their career goals. Well aware of the high cost of higher education, his bequest will establish a scholarship fund to assist civil engineering students at College of Engineering and Computer Science. "A college education is expensive," he says. "I think it's necessary for alumni to give back to make it accessible to all qualified students, so they won't be prevented from attending Syracuse because of lack of finances."